Schooner Hotel

Having returned to the village after a 35 year absence to reminisce of a village I once had the luxury of living in. I was dumbfounded to see the Schooner Hotel hadn’t changed over that time. It was dirty, damp and unwelcoming. Staff that couldn’t be bothered and only one spoke English. The draught beer was terrible and it was clear the pipes hadn’t been cleaned, which is the same for the hotel, dirty, unkept and dark. Quite probably the same in the 18th century. Alnmouth is a beautiful village and has moved with the times, shame the schooner has slid back into the dark ages. The highlight of the trip were the rats that had eaten their way through the skirting board in the lounge area and nothing had been done to eradicate them. We sat and listened to them scuttling around one evening. Disgusting and downtrodden. Never again.

DO NOT STAY HERE! The hotel itself is very old so wonky floors and walls which we love however it is so poorly looked after and run that it really was not a good experience. We were in a family room which slept four, there were no towels in the room, nothing in the bathroom, not even hand soap at the sink. One mug provided and the tea bags were just loose out on a tray, not in any kind of packaging. Inside the kettle was so yucky we didn’t even bother. The bed was really uncomfortable, the hallways were smelly and the blind in the room was so badly bent it didn’t close properly. Breakfast was served from 9-10 on a Sunday which seems quite a short amount of time but there are no menus provided so when asked what we wanted we had to ask what was on offer. There was a machine with filter coffee which looked and tasted like dirty dishwater so when we asked if it was possible to have an instant coffee instead we were told no because there was already coffee there! In the morning the cleaners were obviously in the other rooms and so they seem to just throw all the dirty linen and empty the bins out into the hallway as they don’t seem to have a trolly or anything so we had to walk past all the dirty linens and rubbish. It is also misleading to say there is free parking. The hotel does not have its own parking and although on street parking may be free it is so extremely limited you will be lucky to get anywhere close.

Helpful cycle storage

Adequate is the word which comes most readily to mind - although the staff were pleasant and friendly enough, the hotel needs a lot of money spending on it and quickly. On the day I arrived there were buckets out in the reception area because the roof leaks during heavy rain. The carpets in the corridors were filthy and the decor made it a bit of a 1990s time capsule. The breakfast service was inconsistent and the music from the reception and bar area downstairs was audible in my first floor room until about 10pm. A pity really, because with a redecoration and deep clean this could be something special.

Staff were great property a bit tired. Al mouth itself can’t cope parking is awful, only one place wasn’t like crufts.

We booked in at the bar ran by 1 man who gave us our keys. The bar area was absolutely freezing I think it was warmer outside. Decided to have a beer after 2 hour journey they had no draught beer no coffee or tea the only drink they had was a small variety of bottled beers. Went to drop our bags in room at least there was a small heater in the room but bathroom freezing and no hot water. Went out in a taxi to Warkworth for the night. The next morning we went down at 9 for breakfast there was no sign of anyone in the hotel so left keys on bar and walked out. I would urge you to remove this so called hotel from your website as it is not fit for purpose. They should refund us our money back for the lack of everything at this hotel disgraceful.

There is no parking

Arrived only to discover there was no parking even though it has parking on the app, chap was adamant that it said street parking ( as I said that’s why we picked this hotel ) so I did show him it does say parking

Toilet did not flush, this was reported but no the problem was not remedied. Other guest were noisy , exacerbated by banging from the fire door whenever anyone moved along the corridor. Rooms were not very clean.

Nice room, stairs could do with a bit of a hoovering, seen literally no one in the day we were there, very quiet

All of these reviews are correct. I stayed here for one night, and it was basically fine. Towels were obviously clean (as in they had been washed) but were stained; bedding was clean. Some hairs in the shower etc … The decor is in need of

Very run down accommodation. Cleanliness poor, bed and pillows uncomfortable, bathroom had an unpleasant smell. Told front door was open until 10.pm arrived back at 6pm to find it looked. Rang hotel for someone to let us in and we were told we should have used the door code. Next day door locked again tried doorcode 4 times and wouldn't unlock. Rang hotel again and made to feel that we had bothered them. Never any staff about. Made to feel that as we were out of season and they couldn't be bothered. Not allowed to add photos of hotel and staff without their permission.

Old and very dated hotel room. Bathroom tiles were cracked, no house keeping during our 2 night stay. Place is in desperate need of a deep clean and major renovation.

This was unfortunately the worst place I’ve ever stayed. The overwhelming smell of damp hits you as you walk in the door. The place is just generally filthy. There were cobwebs everywhere and what looked like curry down the skirting boards. We originally booked ‘the apartment’ but the main apartment door didn’t lock and had no handle so we asked to be moved. The family room was only marginally better and the door locked at least. My partner ordered a curry one night. £30 and completely inedible. I would advise to avoid at all costs and find anywhere else to stay.

Room was very tired with exposed electrical wires, the room has never been dusted (cobwebs everywhere). Worst of all the bedding on one of the beds has never been changed from previous guests. Majority of the bedding and towels had marks on them. Would never go back

The bed was infested with fleas. We raised this with the manager, he accused us of bringing them in despite only being in the room for 30 seconds and bringing no luggage in with us. After saying it wasn't us, he came up to investigate. We had caught a flea in a glass and he dismissed us saying it was a jumping bug and then proceeded to flick it on the floor. (I have a video of the flea but the hotel makes you sign saying no images to be shared on social media without the hotel's permission at check-in). My boyfriend and I spent as little time possible and wished we just slept in the car (we were practically eaten alive by the fleas). My boyfriend also found thick black hairs in the bed, which neither of us have. Bathroom was thick with mold and the shower drain was clogged. We set out very early the next day and weren't the only ones with this plan as there was another room key left on the floor by the exit. Breakfast may have been included but we certainly weren't sticking round to find out after learning the place has failed its food hygiene rating and was previously closed due to rat infestations yet still continues to serve food. Wouldn't put my worst enemy here. Do not waste your money. Before booking, Google this hotel as has made headline news before at how vile it is.

Avoid- hotel very run down and dirty. Very expensive for sub standard accommodation. Unsafe plugs/ poor decoration/ poor level of cleanliness/ damp. Several areas of the hotel need cleaning bunch as stairs / dining room / bar area. On arrival room smelt unclean (of wet dogs) asked to move rooms but was told hotel was full despite this not seeming to be the case. Met with other guests on stairs who informed me that there was no hot water and they had reported. On arrival checked hot water and indeed was cold, went to reception to report and member of staff seemed surprised. No hot water for the entire Friday evening. Tea and coffee equipment dirty. Internal lock on bedroom door not working - this is a concern for females travelling alone.

Are you in the mood for a depressing seaside hotel with black mold, electrical wires draped over furniture, filthy towels and public hair in the sink? Well then - do I have the place for you! Did I mention the front desk staff is oblivious to your suggestions to clean the room and make it habitable? If all of the above is not what you are looking for then just search for hotels with more than one star.

Horrible hotel, me and my family felt so disgusted to stay there everything felt so dirty and it was so smelly everywhere we literally left to go back home at like 10pm to drive 4 hours home as we just couldn’t stay there. Absolutely horrible

Toilet did not flush, this was reported but no the problem was not remedied. Other guest were noisy , exacerbated by banging from the fire door whenever anyone moved along the corridor. Rooms were not very clean.

Hotel is in need of repair, room so ok beds were comfy our biggest issue was no hot water to have a shower in the morning looking at previous reviews this has been an issue for a while.

We had read that the hotel was being refurbished by new owners, but felt that our room, whilst clean, was unfinished. There was no toilet roll holder; the en-suite door frame had been primed but not painted; areas around the window needed decorating; a strip of new coving was not properly fixed to the ceiling and there was a strange plastic tube with a tissue stuffed in the end running across the top of the window. Personally we also disliked the laminate flooring and the fact that the window (ground floor, street facing) had only vertical blinds and no curtains. All that being said, this room was at least 40% cheaper than anything else in the area for the one night that we wanted and clearly some work had been done as the en-suite looked new with quality tiling, and the ceiling looked new.

The property is very old and has lots of character. Seemed generally to be clean, but tired in places. We had no TV in the room, just an empty bracket on the wall and aerial cable/ other electrical wires hanging loose across and around the bathroom door. Kettle provided but only decaf coffee on the tray, no milk, no tea available. Only 2 small bath towels and 1 hand towel left for 3 adult occupants. Fire alarm went off early in the morning, but as the property has no reception staff, there was no one to check guests were all evacuated. The alarm just stopped after a few minutes so I assume it was a false alarm? Predominantly Indian meals offered which were ok, but as my husband is not keen on spicy foods he asked to see a more main stream menu. He was offered fish and chips as the only option available, which was served very over cooked and with a strong taste of old, dirty oil. We booked for 2 nights, but after a disappointing first impression, we checked out after one night and cut our holiday short. Overall disappointing!

DO NOT STAY HERE! The hotel itself is very old so wonky floors and walls which we love however it is so poorly looked after and run that it really was not a good experience. We were in a family room which slept four, there were no towels in the room, nothing in the bathroom, not even hand soap at the sink. One mug provided and the tea bags were just loose out on a tray, not in any kind of packaging. Inside the kettle was so yucky we didn’t even bother. The bed was really uncomfortable, the hallways were smelly and the blind in the room was so badly bent it didn’t close properly. Breakfast was served from 9-10 on a Sunday which seems quite a short amount of time but there are no menus provided so when asked what we wanted we had to ask what was on offer. There was a machine with filter coffee which looked and tasted like dirty dishwater so when we asked if it was possible to have an instant coffee instead we were told no because there was already coffee there! In the morning the cleaners were obviously in the other rooms and so they seem to just throw all the dirty linen and empty the bins out into the hallway as they don’t seem to have a trolly or anything so we had to walk past all the dirty linens and rubbish. It is also misleading to say there is free parking. The hotel does not have its own parking and although on street parking may be free it is so extremely limited you will be lucky to get anywhere close.

Understanding the hotel is in a 400 year old building and not wanting to sound like an entitled American. The hot water didn’t work none not a drop, that being said the beds sucked felt like I was on a box spring. Now that said the staff was grate and the food was good the location is amazing. We did however have a grate view of the roof top with old broken ironing boards and an old painting that was crumbling in the rain. The place has issues and not at all worth the price we paid

Very cool, historic hotel, but very old, except the bathrooms are awesome.

Sink it was blocked by a cork which could not be removed, it was not possible to open the window yourself, the toilet could not be flushed.

Bed linen inadequate. Cold room. In need of refurbishing. Not a pleasant stay

Unfortunately we were told the chef was on holiday so we couldn’t eat at the Schooner. It would have been nice to know that information so we could make alternative arrangement and not be disappointed when we got there and be inconvenienced by having to go back out. Also there was no hot water and none of us particularly wanted a cold shower

A very tired hotel, light fittings hanging out, walls plastered but not paonted and small fitting items like lights not working or taps slightly dixed wrong so they act as a shower

Very poor customer service, venue very tired and disjointed. No tv working in room and management not interested in this problem. No goodbye on check out, again awful customer service

The manager Martin was a gentleman and got whatever you needed

Very run down accommodation. Cleanliness poor, bed and pillows uncomfortable, bathroom had an unpleasant smell. Told front door was open until 10.pm arrived back at 6pm to find it looked. Rang hotel for someone to let us in and we were told we should have used the door code. Next day door locked again tried doorcode 4 times and wouldn't unlock. Rang hotel again and made to feel that we had bothered them. Never any staff about. Made to feel that as we were out of season and they couldn't be bothered. Not allowed to add photos of hotel and staff without their permission.

DO NOT BOOK!!! Half finished, dirty, no hot water (constant theme not one off check other reviews), no one contactable. No one on ‘reception’ and no one ever answers phone. Also offers breakfast - good luck getting that!!! To offer breakfast there has to be someone there to actually provide it, not that I’d want it given no hot water and therefor handwashing or shower facilities in the building.

Quiet, safe, bus stop outside the door, historic building, friendly and helpful staff

Arrived late and no one was there to let me in, despite me calling. Hotel did say it was 11pm final check in so I suppose they did warn me. But I had to sleep on the beach until the hotel phoned me back at 3am.

This place has no business calling itself a hotel. Our stay at The Schooner was a complete disgrace. On the plus side—no paranormal activity (Thank God!!). At check-in, they gave us a key for a room that needed a card. Reception isn’t 24 hrs, and they forgot to give us the entrance code—we had to go back and ask or risk being locked out. Basic competence? Missing. Worse, the Bangladeshi receptionist was bullying his Indian colleague in front of us. Unprofessional and deeply uncomfortable. The room had poor heating, and the bathroom had no heating or hot water. The freezing bathroom and no hot water meant no shower that night. Next morning we were told their ancient plumbing required taps to be run for sometime before hot water comes - We ran the tap for 10–15 minutes (not joking !!) . Two calls and a waste of water later, we finally got hot water. Then the drain clogged mid-shower. My husband had to wash his legs whiles standing outside the tub. Maintenance “fixed” it by unscrewing the cap—since the opening mechanism was broken. The mattress was awful—we didn’t sleep a wink. So: cold room, freezing bathroom, no hot water, no sleep. To top it all off, we were promised free luggage storage when we checked in but at checkout they refused. Asked us to extend our room and keep luggage there. Shameless, greedy, and beyond unprofessional. I requested a refund. No response. Even locals call this place a disgrace. That says it all. Avoid The Schooner like the plague.

The service was poor with the hotel needing more staff. The breakfast was amateurish and the cooked bit was luke warm. The towels were still damp. This is the first hotel which I have had to remember to lock the room door. The room itself was a contrast - the bathroom was excellent but the room itself was dowdy. The corridor to the room was dirty and scruffy. The evening meal was fine.

Very friendly wecolme, room was lovely and clean, breakfast was adequate to set you out for the day, staff was very polite and helpful

the hotel needs updating, the rooms were ok but require a little bit of tidying up, paint finger prints on inside bathroom door, cracked tile in bathroom, paint and finishing on walls needs addressing. indian meal amazing, breakfast ok. there needs to be someone in the check in area / bar at all times, i think it loses a lot of trade with there being no one there to greet public. all in all i would give hotel 5/10 indian meal 10/10 kev Lake Leicester

Great value for money nice friendly environment Good helpful team Superb location

Hotel was clean, spacious and quiet. In need of decoration. Owners say they have taken over hotel and are in process of redecoration. Was quiet and peaceful.

DO NOT STAY HERE! The hotel itself is very old so wonky floors and walls which we love however it is so poorly looked after and run that it really was not a good experience. We were in a family room which slept four, there were no towels in the room, nothing in the bathroom, not even hand soap at the sink. One mug provided and the tea bags were just loose out on a tray, not in any kind of packaging. Inside the kettle was so yucky we didn’t even bother. The bed was really uncomfortable, the hallways were smelly and the blind in the room was so badly bent it didn’t close properly. Breakfast was served from 9-10 on a Sunday which seems quite a short amount of time but there are no menus provided so when asked what we wanted we had to ask what was on offer. There was a machine with filter coffee which looked and tasted like dirty dishwater so when we asked if it was possible to have an instant coffee instead we were told no because there was already coffee there! In the morning the cleaners were obviously in the other rooms and so they seem to just throw all the dirty linen and empty the bins out into the hallway as they don’t seem to have a trolly or anything so we had to walk past all the dirty linens and rubbish. It is also misleading to say there is free parking. The hotel does not have its own parking and although on street parking may be free it is so extremely limited you will be lucky to get anywhere close.

Quiet, safe, bus stop outside the door, historic building, friendly and helpful staff

Adequate is the word which comes most readily to mind - although the staff were pleasant and friendly enough, the hotel needs a lot of money spending on it and quickly. On the day I arrived there were buckets out in the reception area because the roof leaks during heavy rain. The carpets in the corridors were filthy and the decor made it a bit of a 1990s time capsule. The breakfast service was inconsistent and the music from the reception and bar area downstairs was audible in my first floor room until about 10pm. A pity really, because with a redecoration and deep clean this could be something special.

Understanding the hotel is in a 400 year old building and not wanting to sound like an entitled American. The hot water didn’t work none not a drop, that being said the beds sucked felt like I was on a box spring. Now that said the staff was grate and the food was good the location is amazing. We did however have a grate view of the roof top with old broken ironing boards and an old painting that was crumbling in the rain. The place has issues and not at all worth the price we paid

Staff were great property a bit tired. Al mouth itself can’t cope parking is awful, only one place wasn’t like crufts.

Perfectly OK for a cheap one night stay in Alnmouth. After booking found out it is supposed to be haunted, so after research and talking to a few people in Alnmouth, gave a bit of fun and a story. And that’s without seeing a ghost!!

There is no parking

Arrived only to discover there was no parking even though it has parking on the app, chap was adamant that it said street parking ( as I said that’s why we picked this hotel ) so I did show him it does say parking

It was ok, parts of hotel are in need of renovation but basically clean. Room was small for 2 of us for 4 day stay. Breakfast was freshly cooked but a bit sparse for me as I’m gluten intolerant and they didn’t seem to understand what that meant. We didn’t eat in the hotel- feel that if they upped their game on the food it would help reviews.

Great hotel restaurant was Indian plus some local food. Was amazing meal highly recommend hotel but especially Indian food fantastic.

Plain but comfortable room. Bar and restaurant areas exceptoinally and clean and well organised and a credit to the staff; who were welcoming, friendly and always willing to go the extra mile. Food was beyond expectation; this is great place to eat; and takeaways seem to be very popular.

It was extremely clean ,room well equipped, but avoid dining there. The meal was inedible and overpriced. It felt like Fawlty Towers!

The service was poor with the hotel needing more staff. The breakfast was amateurish and the cooked bit was luke warm. The towels were still damp. This is the first hotel which I have had to remember to lock the room door. The room itself was a contrast - the bathroom was excellent but the room itself was dowdy. The corridor to the room was dirty and scruffy. The evening meal was fine.

Unfortunately we were told the chef was on holiday so we couldn’t eat at the Schooner. It would have been nice to know that information so we could make alternative arrangement and not be disappointed when we got there and be inconvenienced by having to go back out. Also there was no hot water and none of us particularly wanted a cold shower

Ordered a curry from restaurant. It took over 5 minutes to arrive. Pappadoms were soggy. No mango chutney. Yes really, no mango chutney. Chicken tikka was more like a jalfrezi. Biryani was.......anythng but a Biryani (this was left over vegetables, chopped up and thrown in a raw hot sauce). Truly ghastly. We should refused to pay for it. God knows why we did pay. Room was OK ish. Service was appalling (clueless in fact). Shower was very good. Overall.....rather disappointing. I would have expected better from a Schooner Hotel.

Had a great stay here . All my needs were catered for . Room was clean and well laid out . Dinner was tasty. The room was quiet at night and I slept very well. All topped up with a full English breakfast before heading on my way

Helpful staff, Great breakfast and comfortable room. Martin was very accomodating.

the hotel needs updating, the rooms were ok but require a little bit of tidying up, paint finger prints on inside bathroom door, cracked tile in bathroom, paint and finishing on walls needs addressing. indian meal amazing, breakfast ok. there needs to be someone in the check in area / bar at all times, i think it loses a lot of trade with there being no one there to greet public. all in all i would give hotel 5/10 indian meal 10/10 kev Lake Leicester